WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 ─ American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack Gerard met with lawmakers in Washington to remind them of the broad public support and long-term economic benefits of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

“The years of delay have only strengthened support for the Keystone XL pipeline. The American people understand that this project represents tens of thousands of good paying jobs. We need leadership from the president, not more delays,” said Gerard.

“The Keystone XL pipeline is more than a choice about energy. It’s a choice about growing our economy and increasing our energy security. We will continue to work with the growing number of supporters from both parties in Congress to bring this key energy infrastructure project online as soon as possible.”

“With the State Department’s latest study determining the safety of the pipeline, the significant jobs that will be created, the thousands of Americans who have joined pro-KXL rallies across the country, and strong bipartisan support in Congress, it’s now time to move this project forward. This pipeline is clearly in the national interest, so we urge the president to act now, and help Americans get back to work,” said Gerard.

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.